Which of the following describes individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) less than 18.5?

Individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) less than 18.5 are classified as underweight. This classification is important in the medical field as it indicates that a person may not have enough body fat to sustain good health. A BMI below this threshold can lead to various health issues, including nutritional deficiencies, weakened immune function, and other complications that can arise from being underweight.

BMI is a useful tool for categorizing individuals based on body weight relative to height, helping healthcare providers assess potential health risks. In contrast, the other classifications, such as normal weight, overweight, and obese, represent higher ranges of BMI and are associated with different health considerations. Hence, the identification of individuals with a BMI below 18.5 as underweight is significant for understanding their health and providing appropriate care.